John Cooper's concern for the environment, its
many small creatures, birds, mammals and reptiles, along with
the problems foxes, feral cats and dogs create for farmers,
graziers and the community generally; and the need in Australia
if not the world, for a whistle which has the ability to lure
these canine and feline predators, provided the motivating
forces which resulted in the development of the Tenterfield
Fox Whistle.

Just one of thousands of foxes
called up by the Tenterfield Fox Whistle

John, a
native of the small NSW New England town of Tenterfield in
Australia, like other bush boys, began shooting at a very
early age in the 1940s and soon learned the art of fox whistling
using simple home made whistles made from tin plate (mostly
discarded jam tin lids).

Although
these early whistles achieved some degree of success they
lacked volume and versatility. John believed he could improve
on these whistles and he did. With devastating effect - as
many fox whistling mates and numerous shooters throughout
Australia will readily testify.

John and son Brendan, who has learnt the art of fox whistling
from dad.